El-Rufai Responds to Kperogi’s Allegations of Ethnic Favoritism in NNPC Appointments
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has addressed the claims made by Nigerian professor of journalism Farooq Kperogi, who accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of engaging in ethnic favoritism in the appointments within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
In a recent article titled “Tinubu’s Buharisation of the NNPC,” Kperogi highlighted concerns about the dominance of individuals from the Yoruba ethnic group in key positions at the NNPCL.
He cited an unnamed source claiming that Bayo Ojulari was being considered as the next Group Managing Director (GMD) of NNPCL after Mele Kyari’s tenure ends. Kperogi further drew comparisons to the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari, noting that his appointments were largely seen as favoring the northern region.
Kperogi’s article also mentioned that certain influential Yoruba figures, such as Bayo Ojulari, Chief Pius Akinyelure, and the president himself, are taking key positions within the NNPC, raising concerns about national unity and equity in Tinubu’s administration. The article suggested that this shift toward “Yoruba-centric” leadership could undermine national cohesion.
In his response on X (formerly Twitter), El-Rufai acknowledged Kperogi’s criticisms but emphasized that “two wrongs do not make a right.” He argued that while Buhari’s administration may have been accused of favoritism towards the northern region, it was important for the current administration to prioritize sensible inclusion rather than resorting to what he described as “arrogant exclusion.”
El-Rufai’s comments stress the need for balanced and inclusive leadership, suggesting that ethnic favoritism should not be perpetuated, regardless of past actions by previous administrations. His remarks reflect a call for a more equitable approach in political appointments, which considers the diverse regions and groups that make up Nigeria.
